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The positive impact of technology on increasing the performance of renewable energy systems is increasingly decisive. This was revealed by the new edition of the Raptech Outlook on Digitalisation in Energy.

Raptech (https://www.raptech.it/) is a company operating in the Renewable Energy market for over 15 years, offering technology, monitoring and asset management systems for photovoltaic systems.

The Outlook is the result of Raptech’s particular position in the Italian market, with a large presence and share of customers in the overall production of photovoltaic systems in Italy, with a focus on larger systems. The systems that use the Company’s R-Cloud system produce 3 GWh of energy per year, equivalent to the electricity consumption of the municipalities of Genoa and Modena combined.

Raptech has long since launched R-Cloud on the market, a web tool for data collection and aggregation, which carries out daily meter readings via modem, automatic comparison with the Distributor Portal, automatic control of incentive payments and sales data of the retailer power.

The systems that use R-Cloud have on average equivalent hours of use and therefore a 25% higher productivity compared to those of the same power class at a national level. The data emerges from the comparison between the Raptech Observatory on its customers and the data at an overall Italian level from the GSE Solar Photovoltaic Statistical Report on equivalent hours by power class in the last 3 years.

In 2022, the average productivity in Italy of a photovoltaic system was 1,122 equivalent hours per year, as highlighted in the 2022 Static Solar Photovoltaic Report published by the GSE, while the average productivity of photovoltaic systems using the R-Cloud system is 1,432 hours equivalent hours per year, with peaks of 1,509 equivalent hours per year for systems with a power class greater than 5,000 KW.

In terms of producibility of the plants, the average performance of a plant in Italy is 3 hours a day, which means that the plant has produced in one day a quantity of energy equivalent to that which it would have produced operating at full capacity (situation of ideal irradiation or hours of full sun) in 3 hours.

For plants using R-Cloud, the producibility of the plants is 4 hours per day. This extra hour per day per system corresponds to 365 hours per year and up to approximately €100,000 in additional annual revenue for a 1 MW system.

Regarding the type of systems, we have observed that mono-axial and bi-axial systems generate higher equivalent hours than ground-based ones. In particular, mono-axial and bi-axial systems generate equivalent hours between 20% and 25% higher than those of fixed systems.

The plants that have been subject to Revamping show, from the data in our possession, an increase in productivity, and therefore an increase in equivalent hours generated equal to 10% compared to the period before the Revamping, with peaks of increase of 20% on some plants .

Profitability is higher for the plants incentivized by the first energy accounts (more generous), but all the plants show a progressive increase in the income component coming from the Sale of Energy compared to that of revenues from incentives.

As time passes, we go from a sales component of 11% in 2021 to 26% in 2023. The plants incentivized by the first energy accounts have a higher profitability, but all the plants obtain a component of revenues generated from sales of energy, which weighs between 20% and 45%.

In the GSE Statistical Report, the best performances are found for plants located in the southern regions, mainly due to the favorable radiation conditions and the diffusion of large plants located on land, generally characterized by greater hours of production, and in Lazio, favored by the significant incidence of ground-based systems and tracking systems. It is observed how the geographical location and the characteristics of the plants significantly affect their performance, with levels of use varying from the 1,471 average hours per year of the ground-based plants in Puglia, to the 1,017 average hours per year of the non-ground-based plants in Lombardy.

In the Raptech Outlook the same trend is found, but with higher performance levels than the national average, with utilization levels varying from the 1,542 average hours per year of the ground-based systems in Puglia, followed by the nearby Sicily, Calabria and Lazio, which show utilization levels between 1500 and 1400 average hours per year.

The regions with less high performance levels are Tuscany, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Lombardy, with levels of average annual hours, however, higher than 1100 average hours per year.

Digital tools, therefore, clearly take on a role as a key variable for plant productivity, together with the type of plant, revamping and geographical location.

“We are very satisfied with the results that emerge from our analyses, they are a confirmation that quality and digitalisation are a very high-yield investment” – explains Marco Berliocchi, CEO and Cofounder of Raptech”.

The Solar Quality Summit Europe 2024, held in Barcelona on 23 and 24 January, highlighted the importance of an integrated approach to quality in the life cycle of photovoltaic projects. With rapid growth in the sector, the summit highlighted the importance of a sustainable photovoltaic industry.

Current Photovoltaic Landscape in the EU

The photovoltaic sector in Europe has set a new record, recording an increase of 40% compared to the previous year. New photovoltaic capacity reached 55.9 GW, raising the total from 207 GW in 2022 to 263 GW in 2023. Growth will be constant: installed capacity is expected to reach 902 GW by 2030.

It is essential, however, that more favorable investment conditions are created for photovoltaics: it is not acceptable, in fact, for grid connection times to be so long, nor for local authorizations to proceed excessively slowly.

Sustainability and Regulation

More and more attention must be paid to the regulation of the sustainable management of photovoltaic systems: it is estimated that between 60 and 80 million tonnes of photovoltaic waste will be generated by 2050. Current recycling methods produce low quality materials. The European Waste Framework Directive establishes the waste hierarchy, emphasizing the prevention of premature entry of materials into the waste stream and the reduction of the amount of waste generated.

Currently, the PV waste market is very uncertain and many PV plants in Europe will reach end-of-life in the next 5-10 years, as evidenced by the growing number of revamping and repowering projects. Before considering recycling, it is important to consider reusing photovoltaic modules. It is necessary to develop guidelines for testing reused modules. While they are not suitable for large-scale installations, they can be used in less demanding applications. A potential market of 500 MW/1 GW for refurbished panels is estimated.

Digitalization and Market

Digitalisation is having a huge impact on renewables in Europe, leading to important innovations and developments in this sector. Digital technology is helping to improve the efficiency, production and management of renewable energy sources. Thanks to digitalisation, it is possible to monitor and control energy production and consumption in real time, improving resource planning and optimization. Furthermore, digitalisation also allows us to reduce production and management costs, making renewable sources more competitive on the market.

During the Barcelona event, specific evaluations of innovations along the entire solar value chain emerged, organized by the European TRUST-PV project, of which we are proud partners

AI in the Solar Sector

Solar Quality Summit was also the ideal location to discuss the opportunities and risks associated with the use of Artificial Intelligence in the solar sector.

Among the opportunities:

• Efficiency and effectiveness: artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize the photovoltaic systems sector, offering innovative solutions to improve their efficiency and effectiveness, with a reduction in operating costs and better risk management
• Data analysis: thanks to the use of AI, it is possible to analyze large quantities of data collected by solar panels, allowing a better understanding of their functioning and a more accurate prediction of energy production.
• System monitoring: AI also allows constant monitoring of the system, detecting any anomalies or problems and providing timely solutions to optimize plant performance.

Holistic Approach to Project Quality

In Barcelona the importance of an integrated approach to guarantee quality and sustainability in photovoltaic projects was discussed.

This is why it is crucial to constantly organize sustainability audits by third parties and focus on their implementation in procurement strategies.

As well as integrating quality and risk mitigation into the design of photovoltaic systems.

Grid Stability and Photovoltaic Growth

The exponential growth of photovoltaics is bringing major changes to the energy sector, but it also presents some challenges, such as changing solar production. To maintain grid stability, new technological solutions are needed.

One of the main solutions available is the use of storage batteries. These energy storage systems can store excess solar production during peak hours and distribute it when demand is greatest, thus helping to balance energy supply and demand. Furthermore, storage batteries can also provide backup energy when needed, thus maintaining grid stability.

Another possible approach to manage solar production variation is load monitoring and control. These systems use data analytics to predict and adjust energy demand based on solar production. In this way, it is possible to avoid overloads on the network and maintain a balanced distribution of energy.

Finally, a smart grid and energy management technologies are critical to grid stability. An intelligent grid uses automation and communication systems to monitor and manage energy supply and demand in real time, ensuring efficient and safe distribution.

In summary, the combination of storage, load monitoring and control systems and a smart grid are key to maintaining grid stability in the face of exponential growth in photovoltaics. Using these technological solutions can ensure a reliable and stable energy supply.

Conclusions

The Solar Quality Summit Europe 2024 highlighted the importance of an integrated and sustainable approach in the photovoltaic sector. The adoption of advanced technologies such as AI, sustainable supply chain practices, effective component end-of-life management and the potential for module reuse are critical to the future of the solar industry. Collaboration between different stakeholders and adaptation to evolving regulations remain crucial to the progress of the sector.

Renewable energy has become a priority for many countries around the world, as more and more people realize the importance of reducing the environmental impact of our daily activities. At the same time, the Internet of Things (IoT) is gaining more and more relevance as a technology that can improve our lives and the way we manage resources.

The combination of these two areas, renewable energy and IoT, offers great opportunities for a more sustainable and intelligent future. But how can these two technologies work together to achieve these goals? This article aims to explore the benefits and challenges of using IoT in the renewable energy sector, highlighting the importance of understanding the dynamic between these two areas.

Before going into details, let’s briefly see what the Internet of Things is and how this technology works.

What is the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a concept that refers to the connection of devices and objects to the digital world through the use of the internet. These devices, thanks to sensors and connectivity, are able to collect data in real time and communicate with each other, allowing intelligent management and control of activities.

How IoT works:

To better understand how IoT works in the renewable energy sector, it is important to understand how this technology can be applied. IoT devices can be integrated into every phase of energy production and distribution, collecting data on consumption, production, and state of resources. This data can then be analyzed to optimize processes and improve energy efficiency. Furthermore, IoT can be used to monitor and control energy use in real time, allowing for more precise and responsive management of resources.

Examples of IoT devices and technologies in the renewable energy sector:

Among the IoT devices and technologies used in the renewable energy sector are environmental monitoring sensors, intelligent energy controllers, and automation systems for optimizing production processes. Furthermore, thanks to the IoT, it is possible to integrate energy storage systems, such as batteries or electric vehicles, for more efficient and sustainable energy management.

The advantages of using IoT in renewable energy

The Internet of Things (IoT) offers a wide range of opportunities for the renewable energy sector, thanks to its ability to collect and analyze real-time data from smart devices and technologies. This leads to numerous benefits, including greater improvement in energy efficiency, better management of resources and maintenance operations, and the possibility of developing new services and business models. This is possible thanks to the connection and integration of the different devices and systems that make up the renewable energy system, allowing more precise control and greater optimization of the processes.

Furthermore, the use of IoT can lead to a significant reduction in costs, thanks to the ability to promptly identify any problems or inefficiencies in the system and intervene promptly to resolve them. This can also contribute to greater reliability of renewable energy, reducing the risk of interruptions or malfunctions.

Finally, IoT technology offers the possibility of developing new services and business models based on real-time data and analysis. For example, selling energy data to third parties or using sensors to monitor energy production and consumption to optimize the system.

Challenges in collaboration between IoT and renewable energy

While using IoT in the renewable energy sector offers numerous benefits, there are also some challenges to address.

The first challenge concerns data and network security. With an ever-increasing number of connected devices, it is crucial to ensure the protection of the information collected and exchanged between them.

Furthermore, there is the issue of interoperability and standardization between the different IoT devices and technologies used in the sector. Common protocols need to be defined to ensure compatibility and facilitate management of these systems.

Finally, the environmental impact of using IoT in the renewable energy sector must also be considered. It is important that the solutions adopted are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Overcoming these challenges requires a comprehensive security strategy, collaboration between industries and institutions to define common standards, and a continued focus on environmental sustainability. Only in this way can the IoT be fully exploited to improve the renewable energy sector.

Trust-PV: European research project with a particular focus on the IoT theme

The European TRUST-PV project (in the wake of the Horizon 2020 programme) aims to improve the performance and reliability of photovoltaic systems. To this end, the project is supporting the development of O&M-compatible and grid-friendly photovoltaic components and solutions across large portfolios of distributed and industrial-scale plants. TRUST-PV innovations are tested and demonstrated in the field, with all data collected along the value chain feeding into a decision support platform that uses AI and is based on Industry 4.0 concepts. The project is driven by an industrial approach and brings together 20 organizations from the entire solar PV value chain, including Raptech.

The objective of TRUST-PV is to achieve an increase in the performance and reliability of photovoltaic components (through the design of O&M-friendly photovoltaic modules, robust and reliable solutions for inverters, aftermarket coatings), of photovoltaic systems (engineering , accurate design, construction, operation, repowering and disposal), and in large portfolios of distributed plants and industrial-scale plants (digital twin, advanced forecasting, statistical analysis).

Conclusions

In conclusion, the Internet of Things offers great opportunities for the renewable energy sector, but it is important to address the challenges effectively. Real-time data collection and analysis, greater energy efficiency and the possibility of developing new services and business models are just some of the benefits that IoT can bring to the sector. However, common standards and protocols are essential. By continuing to monitor the developments and evolution of this collaboration between IoT and renewable energy, we can maximize the potential of IoT to transition to a more sustainable and intelligent future.

Sopowerful Foundation, founded in 2019, has the mission to use “solar energy where it matters most”, i.e. in contexts where it impacts the lives of less privileged people.

Solar energy systems built enable or enhance healthcare, education or access to water where this creates (or improves) opportunities.
For now the activities are concentrated in Malawi, Tanzania and Lebanon, where a concrete difference has already been created for more than 100,000 people today, through photovoltaics.

Sopowerful’s goal is to impact over 500,000 people by 2025.

With Raptech we have decided, also for 2023, to be a partner of the Sopowerful Foundation in this initiative, capable of generating a real positive impact on the most disadvantaged people.

The latest project is the construction of a photovoltaic system on the roofs of the Mlambe hospital in Malawi, located in the south of the nation in an area highly subject to cyclones.
The project’s goal is to improve healthcare for 47,000 patients each year and will be achieved by installing 90kWp of solar power together with a storage system.

If you also want to make a difference, visit https://sopowerful.org/ or contact Sopowerful directly at hello@sopowerful.org.

We will keep you updated with the results of the projects we have undertaken with Sopowerful, for now all we can do is wish you a peaceful Christmas with your loved ones!

AI is revolutionizing several industries and sectors, including renewable energy sources. In this article, we will explore how collaboration between humans and AI can lead to benefits and challenges in renewable energy management. It is essential to understand the dynamics between humans and AI in this field to maximize the potential of both. Our goal is to analyze the role of AI in renewable energy, the importance of humans in decisions, energy saving through its use and the challenges that this collaboration can present.

The role of AI in renewable energy

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the renewable energy sector, offering a variety of benefits and opportunities. Thanks to its ability to analyze huge amounts of data, AI plays a crucial role in monitoring and optimizing renewable energy sources. Through the use of algorithms and machine learning, AI can help predict energy production from sources such as the sun and wind, enabling more efficient demand management in real time. This leads to greater efficiency and cost reduction for businesses and end users. Additionally, AI can spot patterns and anomalies in data, helping identify problems and optimize processes. This can lead to greater savings in management and help achieve sustainability objectives and reduction of environmental impact.

The importance of man in decisions

Humans play a crucial role in using artificial intelligence (AI) for renewable energy. While AI can provide detailed data and analysis, it is human experience and judgment that allows informed decisions to be made. Humans must evaluate and interpret the information provided by AI to determine the best strategy to follow. Collaboration between humans and AI, therefore, is essential for the successful implementation of renewable energy. Together, they can lead to more accurate decisions and better outcomes. It is important to underline that AI does not replace humans, but amplifies their capabilities. Furthermore, humans are able to consider ethical and privacy aspects that AI may not understand (source: AI-Commons, A common knowledge hub to accelerate the world’s challenges with Artificial Intelligence, 2021). This demonstrates the importance of a balanced and responsible collaboration between humans and AI for the future of renewable energy.

Energy saving through AI

The implementation of artificial intelligence in the field of renewable energy not only leads to greater efficiency and cost reduction, but can also contribute to energy savings in general. Thanks to its ability to analyze data and optimize processes, AI can identify and correct anomalies in energy systems, thus reducing waste and improving overall efficiency. A concrete example of this is the use of AI in the management of public lighting systems, where through the analysis of data on usage and brightness, it is possible to reduce energy consumption without compromising the quality of lighting. Furthermore, AI can be used to optimize energy production from renewable sources, adapting it to demand needs in real time and thus reducing waste. Saving energy through AI is an important step towards sustainability and reducing environmental impact. Thanks to its analysis and optimization capabilities, AI can help achieve goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and using cleaner, more renewable energy sources.

Challenges of human-AI collaboration

Collaboration between humans and artificial intelligence in the field of renewable energy presents many opportunities, but also some challenges. One of the main ones is represented by ethics and privacy in the use of data collected by AI (source: Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, 4th Edition, Stuart Russell, Peter Norvig, Pearson, 2020). It is important that decisions made are always aligned with human values and respect the protection of personal data. Furthermore, implementing effective collaboration requires a good understanding of AI systems by the humans who will have to work with them. This requires adequate and continuous training. Finally, it is essential to address possible resistance to change and ensure effective communication between humans and AI. By overcoming these challenges, we can maximize the benefits of collaboration and achieve a sustainable future with renewable energy and artificial intelligence (source: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the European Green Deal, Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies Directorate-General for Internal Policies, Authors: Peter Gailhofer, Anke Herold, Jan Peter Schemmel, Cara-Sophie, Scherf, Cristina Urrutia, Andreas R. Köhler and Sibylle Braungardt PE 662.906 – May 2021)

Conclusions

In conclusion, the collaboration between humans and artificial intelligence in the field of renewable energy offers numerous advantages and opportunities. AI can play a crucial role in monitoring and optimizing renewable energy sources, leading to greater efficiency and cost reduction. However, it is essential to remember that humans still have a fundamental role in making decisions based on data provided by AI and in evaluating information. Furthermore, the use of AI can significantly contribute to achieving sustainability objectives and reducing environmental impact through greater energy savings. With proper management, collaboration between humans and AI can lead to better outcomes for the future of renewable energy.

Introduction

Cloud Computing is a rapidly growing trend that provides professionals and businesses with a variety of benefits. Thanks to its scalable architecture and the ability to access your workspace from anywhere, Cloud Computing is reinventing how we work.

In the digital age we are in, it is increasingly difficult not to get involved with Cloud Computing. In this article we will look at Cloud Computing in detail and the benefits it offers.

With Cloud Computing, users can take advantage of a variety of services offered by an IT service provider. The service provider offers access to resources such as computers, memory, storage and much more. Cloud Computing offers users the ability to borrow these resources and make the best use of them for their needs.

Cloud computing can be used to access virtual resources more quickly and cheaply than local resources.

In this article, we will look at the various benefits of Cloud Computing and why you should choose to use it. Additionally, we will look at how Cloud Computing can help developers and businesses make the most of available resources.

Furthermore, we will look at the history of Cloud Computing, what the main subsystems are and how you can make the best use of the available resources.

Finally, we will make a brief review of the main advantages of Cloud Computing in the Greetech field.

Benefits from Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing offers a wide range of benefits that help companies implement a flexible and efficient IT strategy. One of the main advantages of Cloud Computing is that it allows you to access systems from anywhere. This means you no longer need to install software on a single device, but rather you can access information at any time from any device. Furthermore, Cloud Computing offers a much faster implementation speed than traditional systems.

Another great advantage of Cloud Computing is security. Cloud Computing is designed to provide a high level of security for all data stored in the cloud. This includes protection from viruses and malware, as well as the ability to limit access to company resources to certain groups of users.

Another great advantage of Cloud Computing is cost reduction. Since IT resources are distributed on a Cloud Computing platform, companies no longer have to deal with the initial cost of acquiring, implementing and maintaining IT infrastructure. Furthermore, cost reduction is also an important goal for companies facing strong competition, as Cloud resources can be easily scaled as needed.

In fact, Cloud Computing offers unprecedented scalability. Cloud resources can be easily scaled from a few units to entire networks, as needed. This scalability allows companies to quickly adapt their IT infrastructure depending on the business needs at any time.

Why use the Cloud Computing?

Cloud Computing is one of the most versatile and accessible solutions available. In fact, it allows you to expand the IT infrastructure quickly and flexibly, offering the user the opportunity to save time and energy.

The main advantages of using Cloud Computing also concern speed of implementation, reliability and security.

Cloud Computing can be used efficiently for processing large amounts of data or for managing very complex data.

Another advantage of using Cloud Computing is its ease of use. The system allows you to access your data and resources from anywhere and at any time. This saves time and effort, as resources can be easily managed from any device.

Finally, the use of Cloud Computing allows for greater collaboration between people, since it offers a shared platform that can be accessible to multiple users at the same time. This allows work groups to collaborate more easily, taking advantage of the advantages offered by the system.

In conclusion, it can be said that the use of Cloud Computing offers a series of advantages in terms of ease of use, scalability, cost reduction and security. It is therefore an ideal solution for businesses of any size, as it offers the possibility to expand the IT infrastructure quickly and efficiently.

Cloud Computing and Developers

Developers can benefit greatly from using Cloud Computing. In fact, with the scalability opportunities it offers, it is easy to create solutions based on specific needs. This is especially useful when developing complex software that requires the integration of a variety of services.

Plus, with the ability to choose from a wide range of cloud providers, developers can easily find a service that fits their needs. Furthermore, they can easily adapt their applications based on the platforms and needs of a specific customer.

There are also many cloud services that allow developers to access a secure cloud environment from anywhere. This allows them to manage their applications more efficiently and reduce the time needed for deployment and maintenance.

One of the main benefits of Cloud Computing for developers is that it allows access to a wide range of computing resources. This allows them to create new applications more efficiently and economically.

Furthermore, the use of Cloud Computing allows you to minimize the resources necessary to create, distribute and manage applications. This means developers can focus more on their projects and less on network management.

Cloud Computing and Greentech: the Raptech case

For Raptech, the use of Cloud Computing in the Greentech sector offers a series of advantages that can significantly contribute to the increase in efficiency and greater sustainability of the sector’s players. Below are some of the main advantages that we believe the Cloud offers for applications in the green tech sector:

1. Reduced environmental footprint: Cloud Computing allows you to consolidate computing resources in highly energy-efficient data centers, thus reducing overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to the use of local servers.

2. Scalability: Greentech applications often require variable computing capacity based on needs and the cloud allows resources to be scaled dynamically

3. Accessibility and shared resources: The Cloud allows access to applications and data from anywhere in the world, facilitating collaboration and information sharing between colleagues and companies

4. Advanced data analysis: The Cloud enables powerful data analysis services

5. Cost reduction: The use of Cloud services allows users to reduce operating and maintenance costs compared to managing physical servers, data collection devices and applications on local PCs

6. Efficient backup and recovery: Cloud services offer automated backup solutions, helping to protect data and ensuring operational continuity

7. Agility and innovation: The Cloud allows us to quickly implement and improve the solutions offered, accelerating the innovation of our products

8. Higher quality of work: thanks to the Cloud we can automate a series of repetitive operations allowing users to focus on the most important and interesting aspects of their work

Introduction

Agrovoltaics is gaining ground in Italy and consists of the integrated use of photovoltaic modules on agricultural crops. The main objective of agrovoltaics is to both satisfy the energy demands of farmers, for powering farm equipment, and the production of electricity. In fact, agrovoltaics allows the agricultural producer to increase his profits, thanks to savings on energy costs and the possibility of exploiting tax incentives that can support the initial investment. Since the introduction of the first photovoltaic system for agricultural purposes in 2009, Italy has played an active role in the development of agrovoltaics. The government has promoted the spread of environmental policies and tax incentives to encourage the diffusion of technology.

From 2009 to today, there have been significant evolutions in terms of agrovoltaic technology, with the introduction of new innovative solutions that are helping to improve the efficiency of these systems. The challenges of agrovoltaics are mainly related to the initial costs associated with the installation of photovoltaic systems. These costs can be reduced thanks to financing and subsidies, but also through tax incentives that can support the initial investment.

Benefits of agrovoltaics

Agrovoltaics is a form of renewable energy that offers many economic and environmental benefits. First of all, it can help significantly reduce pollution and is a way for farms to produce clean energy to power their operations. Furthermore, it can help you save money in the long run thanks to the low maintenance costs and energy efficiency it offers.

Renewable energy is an inexhaustible resource that can be produced efficiently and environmentally friendly and is cheaper than traditional energy sources such as oil and coal. This means that farms can use it sustainably without sacrificing air or environmental quality.

Additionally, agrovoltaics can be used as a way to increase profits. Thanks to the Italian law which provides tax incentives for the installation of photovoltaic systems, many agricultural producers can benefit from incentives on energy production. Furthermore, the renewable energy produced by these plants can be sold to other users, which helps increase the profits of agricultural companies.

Finally, agrovoltaics can be a means of contributing to environmental sustainability. The renewable energy produced by these plants can replace energy from non-renewable sources such as oil and coal, thus helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. With agrovoltaics, agricultural companies can contribute to achieving sustainable development objectives in their territory.

Challenges

The main challenges associated with agrovoltaics in Italy are the initial costs associated with installing photovoltaic systems, obtaining financing and incentives, and how long it will take to recover the costs.

The initial costs of agrovoltaics can be quite high. To install a solar power system, you need to purchase or rent suitable agricultural land, purchase a set of components for the system, and pay for the installation. Furthermore, the maintenance of an agrovoltaic system requires specialized skills.

Getting financing can also be a challenge. Most banks and insurance companies do not yet offer specific financing for agrovoltaics, which means that agricultural producers must look for other means of financing or rely on government incentives.

Finally, recovering initial costs can take time. Agricultural producers can profit from agrovoltaics thanks to the energy produced, from sales and from the reduction of energy bills. However, you may have to wait several years before your initial investment begins to produce a return.

Laws and incentives

The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) provides 1.1 billion euros aimed at the development of agrovoltaics, with the aim of installing at least 1.04 GW of agrovoltaic systems by 30 June 2026.

There are many resources available for agrovoltaic incentives. The program provides for the provision of financing at subsidized rates. These loans can be used to cover up to 70% of the system installation costs and up to 40% of the system management costs. Monetary incentives are also available for the purchase of construction materials and specialized equipment.

The program also provides a series of guidelines for the application of agrovoltaic incentives. Farmland owners must submit an application to gain access to the incentive program. Applications must be accompanied by specific documentation, including technical documentation relating to the facility, a cost estimate and a detailed description of the facility. Projects must also meet the eligibility requirements of the programme:

• Requirement A: the system promotes the integration between agricultural activity and energy production and enhances the production potential of both systems;

• Requirement B: during its operation, the agrovoltaic system must be managed in such a way as to allow the simultaneous and coherent production of electricity and agricultural products;

• Requirement C: the system must use innovative integrated solutions;

• Requirement D: the system must be equipped with a monitoring system to evaluate the impact on crops, water saving, agricultural productivity for different types of crops

• Requirement E: the plant must be equipped with a monitoring system which, in addition to satisfying requirement D, allows the evaluation of factors such as the recovery of soil fertility, the microclimate and the ability to adapt to climate changes

The program requires incentive payments to be made within six months of the application submission date. Incentives are paid based on a minimum and maximum threshold.

The incentive provides a cash percentage of 20% of the initial investment, up to a maximum of 5 million euros, paid in the form of a grant. The loan is granted in the form of reimbursement on real costs incurred over two years and must be used for the construction of an electricity production plant from renewable sources.

To access the incentive program, it is necessary that the surface area of the land on which the plant will be installed is at least equal to the surface area of the plant, and that the land is owned by the company benefiting from the incentive. The system must be designed and built in compliance with the safety and regulatory requirements set out in the Italian renewable energy code.

Businesses that qualify for the incentive must submit a funding application, including a detailed spending plan, and documentation to demonstrate they meet the eligibility criteria.

The incentive thresholds envisaged by the Agrovoltaico Italia 2023 incentive program range from a minimum of 500 thousand euros to a maximum of 5 million euros.

Technology has an increasingly positive impact on the increase in the performance of renewable energy plants.

This is what emerges from the second edition of the Raptech Observatory on Digitalization in Energy.

Raptech (https://www.raptech.it/) has been operating in the Renewable Energy market for over 15 years, offering technology, monitoring and asset management systems for photovoltaic plants.

The Observatory is the result of Raptech’s particular position in the Italian market, with a large presence and share of customers in the overall production of photovoltaic plants in Italy, with a focus on larger plants.

Thanks to Digital Transformation it is possible to increase the efficiency in the management of photovoltaic assets: asset management can in fact require a series of repetitive operations which, if automated, can lead to an astonishing improvement both in terms of time and quality of results.

In this sense, Raptech has long ago launched R-Cloud on the market, a web tool for data collection and aggregation, which performs daily readings of the “load curve” and of all the registers available via GSE modems, with production values on quarter of an hour basis, automatic comparison with the Enel Distribuzione portal, automatic check of GSE payments and energy sales data.

Plants using R-Cloud have on average higher productivity than those of the same power class at national level: in 2022 the delta in productivity of plants using R-Cloud further increased by 4 percentage points, compared to what was observed in 2021, going from 24% to 28%.

The average productivity in Italy of a photovoltaic plant is 1,122 equivalent hours per year (ratio between production and power (kWh/kW), as highlighted in the 2022 Solar Photovoltaic Static Report published by the GSE, while the average productivity of photovoltaic plants use the R-Cloud system is 1,436 equivalent hours per year, with peaks of 1,605 equivalent hours per year for power class plants above 5,000 kW.

In the Statistical Report of the GSE, the best performances are found for the plants located in the southern regions, mainly due to the favorable conditions of irradiation and the diffusion of large plants located on land, generally characterized by longer hours of production, and in Lazio, favored by the significant incidence of ground systems and tracking systems. It can be observed that the geographical location and the characteristics of the plants have a significant impact on the relative performances, with utilization levels ranging from the 1,471 average annual hours of ground-based plants in Puglia, to the 1,017 average annual hours of non-ground plants in Lombardy.

The same trend can be seen in the Raptech Observatory, but with higher performance levels than the national average, with utilization indicators ranging from the average annual 1,542 hours of land-based plants in Puglia, followed by the nearby Sicily, Calabria and Lazio, which show utilization levels between 1500 and 1400 average hours per year.

The regions with lower performance levels are Tuscany, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Lombardy, with levels of average annual hours in any case higher than the 1100 average annual hours.

“The analysis of the data in our possession – explains Marco Berliocchi, CEO and Cofounder of Raptech – is outlining an increasingly clear trend: the use of IT tools necessarily leads to greater energy production, with an increase in productivity and revenues. Digital Transformation is good for the green economy”.

Lastly, the aspect of data quality must also be considered, a real gold mine for the markets of the Third Millennium, of fundamental importance especially in the era of Artificial Intelligence and automated decisions. There are many aspects to data quality, including consistency, integrity, accuracy and completeness: systems must therefore be able to warn users, even if a sudden problem situation arises that could compromising data quality.

The potential of renewable energy is vast. However, only a fraction of this potential is being used, and nearly 80 percent of the world’s energy needs are still generated from fossil fuels.

One thing is certain, however: Today, a 24/7 supply of renewable energy is technically and financially possible. This fact, together with the current political situation, is why the whole industry is undergoing a major change and growing dynamically.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), by 2027 photovoltaics alone will have replaced natural gas and coal as the main source of electricity.

With its four individual exhibitions – Intersolar Europe, ees Europe, Power2Drive Europe and EM-Power Europe – The smarter E Europe opened its doors for 3 days, from 14 to 16 June.

More than 2,450 exhibitors presented their latest products and solutions for the new energy world on Europe’s largest platform for the energy industry. More than 85,000 visitors from 160 countries attended.

Over three full exhibition days, The smarter E Europe truly provided the ideal opportunity to explore the latest trends, technologies and business models while meeting industry visionaries and decision makers.

Industry data

2022 will be remembered as the year in which solar uptake, driven by rising energy prices, supply chain stabilization and post-pandemic recovery programs, entered a new dimension of growth. In 2022, the world connected 239 GW of new solar capacity to the grid, setting yet another all-time record and recording an impressive annual growth rate of 45%, the highest since 2016.

As a result, global total installed solar capacity passed the Terawatt mark in early 2022 and stood at nearly 1.2 TW by the end of the year, a 25% increase from 2021 levels.

The expansion of solar is unmatched in other power generation technologies. Solar PV claimed two-thirds of all new renewable energy capacity installed last year and the highest growth rate in terms of electricity generation of any power generation technology (24%). At the same time, however, solar still meets only 4.5% of global electricity demand, while more than 70% is supplied by non-renewable sources.

In 2022, significant supply chain disruptions, lingering effects of COVID-19 and inflationary pressures, triggered by the war in Ukraine, caused the first increase in solar’s levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) in more than a decade. This, however, does not present a challenge to cost competitiveness; Solar PV remains significantly cheaper than new fossil fuels and nuclear, and product prices have already started to decline in recent months and are expected to return to pre-crisis levels soon.

The record installations in 2022 were led by a tremendous performance in China, the undisputed world-leading solar market, with nearly 100 GW added in just one year and a whopping 72% annual growth rate. The United States had a turbulent year in 2022, but maintained its position as the second largest market despite a 6% annual decline to 21.9 GW, while India’s recovery continued in 2022, with 17.4 GW of new installed capacity and a growth of 23%. Closing out the top 5 countries of 2022, Brazil doubled its installation rate with 10.9 GW, while Spain became the largest European market with 8.4 GW.

China’s dominance drove Asia-Pacific’s share to 60%, while Europe held steady at 19% and the Americas fell to 17%. In terms of installed solar capacity per capita, Australia remains in the lead with nearly 1.2 kW/capita, while the Netherlands has also passed the 1 kW/capita mark, against an estimated global average of 144 W/capita. you understand.

All solar analysts are confident that, after an outstanding 2022, there is no doubt that strong growth will continue into 2023 – the question is rather how much. The average scenario of Solar Power Europe’s “Global Market Outlook” research forecasts that 341 GW of new solar capacity will be installed worldwide in 2023, equal to a growth of 43% which essentially repeats the extraordinary performance of 2022. With conditions of market improved, however, installations could exceed 400 GW as early as 2023. Solar uptake is projected to continue over the next four years, with 401 GW added in 2024 and a market of 617 GW reached in 2027. This will bring operational capacity total exceeding 2 TW in early 2025 and 3.5 TW by the end of 2027.

The booming year of 2022 has produced a record number of widely “developed” solar markets. The number of GW-scale solar markets – countries installing at least 1 GW – rose from 17 in 2021 to 26 in 2022. Thus, 32 GW-scale markets are expected in 2023, 39 in 2024 and at least 53 in 2025.

The regional focus this year is on Southeast Asia. With the support of the Global Solar Council (GSC), Solar Power Europe’s research has provided in-depth analysis of the deployment of photovoltaics in the region, which holds significant solar potential. The regional market is projected to grow to 3.8 GW this year, a 13% increase from 2022, and expand to 13.3 GW by 2027 under an average scenario.

Over three full exhibition days, The smarter E Europe truly provided the ideal opportunity to explore the latest trends, technologies and business models while meeting industry visionaries and decision makers.